Corn harvesting and husking mechanism.



PATENTED JAN- 22, 1907.

APPLIUATIQN FILED EARL-3, 1902.

3 BHEBTS-SHEET 1.

lfla,

THE NORRIS PETERS ca, WASHINGTON, n. c.

' No; 841,822. V PATENTBD JAN. 2 2, 190?.

H. STEINER.

CORN HARVESTING AND HUSKING ISAIECHAICIISM.

APPLICATION FILED JAN. 3. 19oz.

3 SHBETSSHEE T 2.

No. 84=1,822. PATE'NTBD JAN.22,'1907.'

H. 'STE-INER. CORN. HARVESTING AND HUSKING MECHANISM;

APPLICATION PILED JAN. 3, 1902.

' 1 a SHEETS-SHEET a.

. construction shown in Fig. 4.

UNITED STATES PATENT orrron.

HENRY STEINER, OF HOMEWOOD, ILLINOIS, ASSIGNOR' TO AUGUST STEINER, OFHOMEWOOD, ILLINOIS.

CORN HARVESTING AND HUSKING MECHANISM.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Jan. 22, 1907.

Application filed January 3, 1902. Serial No. 88,350.

To all whom it may concern.-

Be it known that I, HENRY STEINER, a citizen of the United States,residing at Homewood, in the county of Cook and State of Illinois, haveinvented a new and useful Corn Harvesting and Husking Mechanism, ofwhich the following is a specification.

This invention relates to corn harvesting and husking mechanism, andembodies im provements in the details of construction and arrangementshown, described, and claimed in Patent No. 606,824, issued July 5,1898, to August Steiner.

The object of the invention is to improve the construction andarrangement of details of the machine disclosed in said patent to renderthe same more eflicient in operation The invention consistssubstantially, in the construction, combination, location, andarrangement of parts, all as will be more fully hereinafter set forth,as shown in the accompanying drawings, and finally pointed out in theappended claims.

Referring to the accompanying drawings, and to the various views andreference-signs appearing thereon, Figure 1 is a view in plan of amachine, showing the application thereto of constructions embodying theprinciple of my invention. Fig. 2 is a broken detail View, in topplan,of the snapping-rolls embodying in the details thereof improvementsincluded within the scope of my invention. Fig. 3 is a detail View, invertical transverse section, on the line 3 3, Fig. 1, showing thearrangement of guide-plates embodying the principles of my invention.Fig. 4 is a broken detail view in plan of the husking mechanism, showingthe application and arrangement of shakerplate embodying the principlesof my inven tion. Fig. 5 is a view in transverse section of adjacenthusking-rolls, showing the arrangement of adjustable pins therein. Fig.6 is aview in transverse section of a snappingroll, showing theadjustable pins. Fig. 7 is a broken detail view, in side elevation, ofthe Fig. 8 is a broken detail view in section on the line 8 8, Fig. 7,looking in the direction of the arrows. Fig. 9 is a transverse sectionalview, parts broken off, ofa husking-roll embodying my invention.

The same part is designated by the same reference-sign wherever itoccurs throughout the several views.

Reference-sign A designates the framework of the machine, upon which thevarious parts, hereinafter described and referred to, are mounted. Inthis framework is suitably journaled the main driving-shaft 8, which maybe rotated from any suitable source of power or upon which may bemounted the traction-wheels 9 and the draft appliances 10. The shaft 8constitutes the main drive shaft from which the various operating partsof the mechanism are driven.

Mounted upon shaft or axle 8 are gears 12, arranged to mesh with similargears 13, mounted upon a counter-shaft 14, suitably journaled in theframework of the machine. Upon the shaft 14 is mounted a sprocket orother gear arranged to engage with and actuate a sprocket-chain or othersuitable gearing 16, by which is driven a shaft 17, journaled in theframework. Gears 18 and 19 are mounted upon shaft 17 and are arranged torespectively engage and drive gears 20 and 22. The gear 20 is mountedupon a shaft 21, and gear 22 is mounted upon the.

drive shaft 23, from the latter of which is actuated the elevator orconveyer 15. The shaft 21 forms part of or is connected to one of a pairof snapping-rolls 24 25, the other of said rolls, being driven therefromthrough the intermeshing gears 30 31. The snappingrolls 24 25 aresuitably mounted in snappingframe 26 and extend forwardly of the machineor in the direction of advance of the machine in the field.

Extending forwardly from the front end of the snapping-rolls 24 25 andsomewhat divergent from each other are gathering chains or devices 38,and extending forwardly from the supports for said gathering devices areguiding toes or casings 52 53, said guiding toes or casings also beingsomewhat divergent from each other forwardly. Reference-sign 55designates a carrier arranged adjacent and to one side of thesnapping-rolls and adapted to receive the detached ears of corntherefrom and to deliver the same to or upon the elevator or carrier 15,from which the detached ears of corn are delivered upon the huskingmechanism, (indicated generally by reference-sign B.)

In the main the construction and arrangement so far described issubstantially the same as that shown and described in Patent No.606,824, above referred to, and the specific details thereof need not bemore speciffically described herein.

In the practical operation of a machine embodying the construction aboveindicated I have found that dwarfed or imperfect ears of corn, ornubbins, and which as a general rule occur on the stalk of corn closedown to the ground, frequently become wedgedin between the forward endsof the snappingrolls, thereby clogging the machine and preventing theeflicient feed and operation thereof. This objection has beenencountered in the practical working and operation of the machine in thefield, and the first feature of my invention relates to means forpreventing the clogging of the machine and of the snapping-rollers bythe small dwarfed ears or nubbins of corn becoming wedged in between theforward ends of the snapping-rolls. In accomplishing this object I makeone of the snapping-rolls of greater length than the other, as clearlyshown in Fig. 2, the forward ends of said rolls 24 25 being journaled inboxes 0 and D.

As shown, the box D of roller 24 is in ad- Vance of box C, in which isjournaled the forward end of roll 25. Consequently instead of having thetwo boxes C and D located di rectly opposite with respect to each otherthe box C is presented opposite a revolving surface of the other roll.Therefore when a nubbin or dwarfed ear becomes lodged between theforward ends of the rolls the revolving rib or corrugated surface ofroll 24, operating against the smooth, plain, or fixed adjacent surfaceof box C, effects a crushing and breaking up of the nubbin or dwarfedear and permits the same to drop through or between the rolls, therebyavoiding clogging of the operation of the machine.

As set forth in the patent above referred to, the snapping-rolls arelongitudinally corrugated spirally and are also provided with ribs 40,said ribs running in reverse direction with respect to the spiralcorrugations of the rolls. I have found in the practical operation. of amachine employing such snappingrolls, and particularly where the corn isdry and brittle, a tendency is developed to choke and clog the machineby reason of the failure of the rolls to effect an efficient feed of thecornstalks and fodder or leaves through and between the rolls, suchfodder, stalks, and the like accumulating upon and between the rolls andnot being gripped or grasped sufficiently between the rolls to be fedtherethrough. The next feature of my invention relates particularly tomeans for overcoming this objection, and I accomplish the desired objectby providing pins or projections E in the surface of the snapping-rolls.These pins or projections may be in the form of threaded plugs and arereceived in threaded seats or sockets formed in the bodies of the rolls.Thus the pins or projections may be adjustable as to the extent of theirprojection beyond the surface of the rolls, as in the case of wet ordamp corn I have found that such projections or pins are not necessary,as the surfaces of the rolls in such case are en abled to efficientlygrasp or grip the stalks, fodder, and the like of the corn and feed thesame through and between the rolls.

If desired, the pins or projections E may be constructed to receive asuitable tool by which'they may be turned into or out of their threadedsockets in the rolls, thus affording means for quickly adjusting thedegree of projection thereof to accommodate or suit any desiredcondition of dryness in the material operated upon. In practice Iarrange the pins or projections E in spiral rows substantially parallelwith the ribs 40 and in such relative positions as that the pins orprojections on one roll will cooperate with the ribs on the adjacentroll to effect a biting or gripping action on the fodder, cornstalks, orthe like when the rolls are relatively rotated, thereby effecting a mostefficient feed of the material through and between the rolls andpreventing clogging of the operation.

I have found in the operation of a corn harvesting and husking mechanismin the field that it is desirable to regulate the height of theear-snapping rolls to suit the average height of the cornstalks. In somelocalities and under some conditions of cultivation the cornstalks growto greater height than in otherlocalities and under other conditions ofcultivation, and inasmuch as the good ears of corn usually grow near thetop of the stalks it is desirable to elevate the snapping-rolls as muchas possible in order to avoid the necessity of feeding too great alength of stalk through and between the snappingrolls to effect adetachment of the ear. At the same time it is desirable to so set theapparatus as to be able to pick up any bentover or fallen stalks as themachine proceeds through the field, and to accomplish both these resultsit is necessary to depress or downwardly and forwardly incline the toesor casings 52 53, the gathering mechanism, and the snapping-rolls. Themechanism for accomplishing these results and the arrangement permittingthe same are fully set forth in the patent above referred to. When,however, the snapping-rolls are adjusted to any considerable height ofcorn and inclined forwardly and downwardly, as above set forth, I havefound that the ears of corn when detached from the stalks are inclinedto fall forwardly or slide down the snapping- IIO rolls, and thus bedropped on the ground and lost. The next feature of my present inventionis to provide means for preventing this loss. This result I accomplishby mounting upon a convenient part of the framework 26, which supportsthe snapping-rolls, a hinged or pivoted or otherwise tilting gate F. In

the particular form shown as embodying this feature of my invention thisgate is arranged to extend across and above the snappingrolls and isyieldingly held in position to form a stop for the detached ears in anyconvenient manneras, for instance, by means of a spring G, whichpermits, however, the yielding of said gate or guard to enable a stalkof corn to be drawn into or between the rolls as the machine advancesthrough the field. In this manner the loss of cars of corn by slidingdown or lengthwise of the snapping-rolls is prevented and the ears areretained upon the snapping-roll until they are finally deposited ortransferred therefrom into position to be engaged by the carrier orconveyer 55, by which the detached ears are delivered to the elevator 15and thence to the husking-rolls.

I have found that the stalks of corn fre quently become broken and fallover or are forced upon the conveyer or carrier 55 and are carried withthe detached ears to the husking mechanism. Not only is thisobjectionable, but the breaking of the stalks before being fed throughand between the snapping-rolls also resultsin clogging up the machineand preventing the same from eflici'ently performing its work ofdetaching the ears. This objection I have found to be greater in thecase of very dry corn than in the case where the corn is damp or wet, asin dry corn the stalks are brittle and easily broken at the joints. Thenext feature of my invention contemplates the provision. of means forpreventing this trouble. This result I accomplish by arranging suitableguard plates or shields H J over the snappingrolls, the purpose of whichis to maintain the cornstalks in vertical or upright position as much aspossible, so as to be properly and quickly fed through and between thesnapping-rolls, and to prevent, in case of breakage of the stalks at thejoints, the upper part from falling over upon the conveyer or carrier55. If desired, one or both of the shield-plates II J may be madeadjustable toward and from the other. I have shown the plate J madeadjustable toward and from'plate Has, for instance, by means of the nutK, operating upon a threaded bolt L, suitably connected to said plate J.It is to be understood, however, that the plate J, which occurs nextadjacent the carrier or conveyer 55, should terminate at a sufficientheight above the surface of the snappingroll's as to afford space forthe ready passage of the ears of corn from the snapping-rolls to saidconveyer, as most clearly indicated in Fig. 3.

After the ears have been detached by the snapping-rolls they aredelivered by carrier 55 to the elevator 15 and to the husking mechanismB. In order to efficiently remove the husks of the ears when deliveredto the husking mechanism quickly, it is desir able that the ears bedelivered to the husking mechanism in proper position for the huskingmechanism to perform its function. The next feature of my presentinvention relates particularly to means for regulating the delivery ofthe ears of corn and in proper relative position with respect to thehusking mechanismfor the husks to be quickly removed therefrom., Asexplained in the patent above referred to, the husking mechanismcomprises husking rolls arranged in pairs and having spiral ribs 43 onone member of each pair and pins or projections 44 011 the other andcooperating member of each pair, and in accordance with my present invention I purpose to provide means for depositing the detached ears inlongitudinal relation with respect to the length of the pairs ofhusking-rolls and between cooperating pairs of such rolls. This result Iaccomplish by means of a shaker-plate M, (see Figs. 4, 7, and 8,)arranged in inclined relation at the delivery end of elevator 15, uponwhich the detached ears are delivered by said elevator and by which saidears are guided down to and deposited upon the husking-rolls. Thisshaker-plate is hinged or pivoted in any suitable manner, preferablyupon a vertical axis, and at the upper end thereof, as indicated at N,Fig. 2, an oscillatory movement may be imparted thereto in anyconvenient manneras, for instance, by means of a lever 0, connected bylink P to said shakerplate, said lever 0 being rocked in any suitablemanneras, for instance, by means of a cam Q, suitably driven from anyconvenient rotary part of the machine. This oscillatory movementimparted to the shaker-plate M shakes the detached ears of corn intoproper position and serves to deliver said ears upon the husking-rollsin suitable relation thereto for said rolls to quickly and efficientlyperform their func ITO rolls. In this manner the ears are properlydelivered upon and to the husking mechanism and in suitable relationwith respect thereto to be efficiently and quickly stripped of theirhusks.

I have found, and particularly with dry corn, that in the ribbed and pinconstruction of the cooperating husking-rolls as disclosed in the patentabove referred to the husking mechanism does not always efficientlyremove the husks from the ears. This, as above indicated, isparticularly true in the case of dry corn and is not so marked in thecase of wet or damp corn. In order to provide means for effecting aquick removal of the husks from the ears in the case of dry corn, aswell as in the case of damp or wet corn, I purpose to employ adjustablepins or projections E in the husking-rolls and similar in the specificdetails of construction thereof to the adjustable pins or projections E,above described with reference to the snapping-rolls, except that in thecase of the pins or projections arranged in the raised parts of saidcorrugated surfaces and in rows substantially parallel with said ribs,as andfor the purpose set forth.

' 4. In a machine of the class described, snapping-rolls, in combinationwith shieldplates arranged thereover, and means for adjusting one ofsaid plates toward and from the other to vary the inclination thereof,as and for the purpose set forth.

5. In a machine of the class described, snapping-rolls for detachingears of corn from the stalks, a conveyer for receiving the detachedears, and shield-plates arranged over said snapping-rolls to prevent thestalks from falling upon said conveyer, one of said shield-plates beingadjustable toward and from the other to vary the inclination thereof, asand for the purpose set forth.

6. In a machine of the class described, the combination with solid,corrugated snappingrolls arranged longitudinally with respect to thedirection of motion of the machine and husking-rolls these ad ustablepins or projections are mounted in the ribs 48. In this manner I amenabled to adjust or regulate the degree of projection or extension ofthe pins or projections beyond the surface of the ribs on thehusking-rolls to accommodate any character of corn.

I have not attempted in the foregoing description to go into thespecific details of construction of the machine nor into the mode ofoperation thereof, as these matters are fully set forth in the patentabove referred to and form no part of my present invention.

While I have described specific constructions in the various features ofmy invention, I desire to be understood as not limiting myself thereto,as variations and changes in the details thereof would readily occur topersons skilled in the art and still fall within the spirit and scope ofmy invention.

What I claim as new and useful and of my own invention, and desire tosecure by Letters Patent, is

1. In a machine of the class described, snapping-rolls having roundedspirally-corrugated surfaces adapted to mesh one with the other, incombination with adjustable pins mounted in the raised parts of saidspirally-corrugated surfaces of one or the other or both of said rolls,as and for the purpose set forth.

2. In a machine of the class described, snapping mechanism comprisingrolls having rounded spirally-corrugated surfaces and spiral ribsprojecting therefrom, in combination with pins or projections arrangedin the raised parts of said surfaces, as and for the purpose set forth.

3. In a machine of the class described, snapping rolls having spirallycorrugated surfaces and spiral ribs, in combination with being ofdifferent lengths, and means for rotating said rolls in oppositedirections, of a rigid abutment arranged opposite the operative face ofthe longer one of the rolls and contiguous to the end ofthe shorter rollfor receiving the impact of an ear which might become lodged between therolls, and thereby serving to crush such ear.

7 In a machine of the class described, the combination with solid,ribbed snappingrolls arranged longitudinally with respect to thedirection of motion of the machine, and projecting one in advance of theother at their forward ends, and means for rotating said rolls inopposite directions, of a rigid abutment arranged opposite the operativeface of the longer one of the rolls and contiguous to the end oftheshorter roll for re ceiving the impact of an ear which might becomelodged between the rolls, and thereby serving to crush such ears, one ofsaid rolls being tapered contiguous to said abutment.

8. In a machine of the class described, the combination withsnapping-rolls arranged longitudinally with respect to the direction ofmotion of the machine and projecting one in advance of the other attheir forward ends, and means for rotatingsaid rolls in oppositedirections, of a rigid abutment arranged opposite the operative face ofthe longer one of the rolls and contiguous to the end of the shorterroll for receiving the impact of an ear which might become lodgedbetween the rolls, and thereby serving to crush such ear, said abutmentbeing inclined with respect to the length of the rolls with its forwardend deflected outwardly from the line of movement of the machine.

9. In a machine of the class described, the combination with solid,corrugated snapping-rolls arranged longitudinally with rerections, of arigid outwardly-deflected abutment arranged opposite the operative faceof v the longer one of the rolls and contiguous to the-end of theshorter roll for receiving the 10 impact of an ear Which might becomelodged between the rolls, and thereby serving to crush such ear.

In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand, this 18th day ofDecember, 1901,in the presence of the subscribing Witnesses.

HENRY STEINER.

Witnesses:

E. O. SEMPLE, S. E. DARBY.

